The Courage Was Found
Thad finally found the courage to address Annie’s behavior. With a gentle approach, he sought to understand her reasons, hoping for clarity and resolution. They sat together at their rustic kitchen table, the comforting aroma of his mother’s cooking lingering in the air. The food, still on the table between them, added a layer of warmth to the tense moment.

As the scents of familiar spices and herbs enveloped them, Thad’s gaze settled on Annie. She sat with her eyes downcast, absentmindedly poking at her food with a fork. The once-comforting smells now seemed to underscore the emotional distance between them.
